Senna

♀ Girl

Pronounced SEH-na /ˈsɛ.naː/Medium

Meaning: A nature/plant name from the senna shrub (Cassia), popularized in Dutch usage; sometimes connected to Arabic Sanaa 'brightness, radiance, nobility'. No single fixed etymology.Medium

In 30 seconds: Senna is a Dutch nature name from the senna shrub (Cassia), sometimes linked to Arabic Sanaa, 'brightness' — without one fixed origin.

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Origin MediumDutch

MeaningA nature/plant name from the senna shrub (Cassia), popularized in Dutch usage; sometimes connected to Arabic Sanaa 'brightness, radiance, nobility'. No single fixed etymology.

U.S. rank (2024)#2002 ↘ Falling

2024 U.S. births98 girls (0.01% of U.S. girls)

Peak year2023

Total births (all-time)≈ 981

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

The record describes Senna as a plant name popularized in Dutch usage, drawn from the senna shrub, while noting a possible connection to the Arabic Sanaa, meaning 'brightness, radiance, nobility'. Because no single etymology is settled, it reads honestly as a name with two plausible threads rather than one fixed story. German singer Senna Guemmour of the group Monrose is a known bearer.

The double-n and clipped two-syllable shape give it a clean, modern sound. Its botanical and Arabic readings let it sit comfortably in more than one naming context.

Did you know? The meaning usually attached to Senna is 'uncertain', and that core idea is what gives the name most of its long-term appeal.

Overall data confidence 78%

Behind the Name - Senna — etymology, usage, pronunciation, and related formsU.S. Social Security Administration — 2024 popularity rank and count supplied in the batch input CSV

Variations

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Nicknames

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Famous Bearers

★Senna Guemmour (b. 1979)
German singer and television personality; a member of the pop girl group Monrose (also credited as Senna Gammour).

If you like Senna…

Sanaa— The Arabic name the record links Senna to, meaning 'brightness'.

Jenna— Shares the double-n, two-syllable structure and sound.

Sienna— Close in sound with a similar nature-toned, earthy feel.

Frequently Asked

What does the name Senna mean?

Senna is usually explained as meaning 'uncertain' and is most often linked with Dutch tradition.

How do you pronounce Senna?

It's commonly said SEH-na /ˈsɛ.naː/.

Is Senna a boy or girl name?

In this batch and in recent U.S. usage data, Senna is used as a girl name.

How popular is Senna?

In 2024, Senna ranked #2002 in the U.S. for girls, with 98 births recorded.